The $36 million loss behind greyhound racing in WA

Western Australia will lose more than $36 million in economic value across 2026 due to greyhound racing according to a new cost-benefit analysis, released as a standing committee into the industry begins this week.

The analysis, commissioned by Animals Australia and conducted by independent economist Stephen Walters, claimed to highlight insights that previous economic studies sponsored by the racing code failed to report.

It also analysed the costs over the next three years, assuming a phase-out of greyhound racing by 2029, which “aligns with other governments and recommendations from animal protection organisations” and included a transition support package for greyhound racing participants.

The report found that in the next three years, greyhound racing in WA will cost half a billion dollars ($498.1 million) and generate $380.7 million in benefits – a cumulative net loss of nearly $117 million in economic value.

The cost of gambling was also included in those figures, forecast at more than $110 million across 2026.

Walters said greyhound racing “destroys economic value in WA, costing the community more than it returns”.

“For every dollar spent on greyhound racing in WA, only 79 cents of community value is delivered once the significant costs are taken into account,” he said.

“Previous economic reports sponsored by racing have inflated the economic value of greyhound racing, used data that cannot be verified, applied outdated and flawed multipliers to further lift estimated benefits, and ignored virtually all costs.

“The costs are substantial – long-term gambling harm, poor animal welfare, inefficient land use, and significant taxpayer funds that could otherwise fund hospitals, schools and essential services, but are diverted to the code.”

WA’s Free the Hounds President Melissa Harrison said the industry was declining, but continued to be kept alive by government support and taxpayer funds, while dogs and the community pay the price.

“Every year, tens of millions of taxpayer funds are funnelled into a practice built on gambling harm and animal suffering, and now it’s happening in the middle of a housing and cost-of-living crisis. That is indefensible,” she said.

“This money should be going into homes, hospitals and schools in WA, not propping up a failing racing code.

“No amount of track upgrades or changes to race schedules will ever alter the fact that greyhounds spend their days in kennels … and when the racing sector is done with these dogs, it’s not the government picking up the bill – it’s volunteers.”

In 2025, 21 dogs died and 604 were injured on WA tracks.

A Racing and Wagering Western Australia spokesperson said the organisation was committed to supporting the highest levels of care for greyhounds, and prioritising “robust welfare standards and transparent regulation across the WA greyhound industry”.

“WA greyhound racing’s welfare framework is underpinned by mandatory veterinary care, rigorous track oversight, in addition to strict breeding and rehoming requirements,” they said.

“RWWA works closely with the minister for racing and gaming to support a sustainable future for greyhound racing in WA.”

The standing committee into the greyhound racing industry in WA will begin on Monday and run across two days, hearing from advocacy groups including RSPCA WA and Free the Hounds, as well as industry groups like Racing and Wagering WA and the WA Greyhound Racing Association.

Animals Australia chief executive Glenys Oogjes said greyhound racing may have generated some economic return in the past, but “we now know the costs far outweigh the benefits to the WA economy, for our community and for the dogs”.

“Dog racing is inherently cruel, doesn’t stack up economically, and doesn’t pass the pub test. It’s time to cut the dogs loose from racing,” she said.

“Australia is the world’s largest greyhound racing nation and one of only several jurisdictions, globally, that continues to race dogs commercially.

“With Tasmania set to make history through its Upper House vote on the future of greyhound racing within weeks, Western Australia’s [standing committee] puts the WA government in a strong position to join the momentum and lead the nation.”

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